Okayama University Library
Userʼs Guide2024

1. Library Website ･･･････････････❷
2. Central Library ････････････････❸
3. Shikata Branch Library ･････････❽
4. IPSR Branch Library ････････････⓬
5. How to Find Materials ･･････････⓮
6. My Library ････････････････････⓱
7. Other Services･････････････････⓲
Contact and Service Hours ････････⓴

Library Website
https://www.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/index̲e.html

We provide useful information on our library website.

https://twitter.com/OkayamaUnivLib

Central Library■Library Hours
Mon.-Fri.

Sat./Sun./Holidays

During terms

８：００-２３：００

１０：００-１８：００

During Breaks

９：００-１９：００ or ９：００-１
７：００

Closed* Closed on the following days: entrance exam days, library reorganization days, end of the year/new year
holidays, summer holidays (all oﬃces on campus closed).
■Entrance and Exit
In order to enter the library, you need your Student ID. Scan it at the entrance gate.
You can enter the library, even if you donʼ t have your Student ID. Please ask a staﬀ at Circulation Desk.
Any materials that are Not properly borrowed will make a beeping sound when you pass through theexit gate. Please follow the instruction of a library staﬀ when the alarm goes oﬀ.
■Maximum Number of Borrowed Items and Loan Period
Maximum Numberof Items

Loan Periodsfor Books

Loan Periods for
Periodicals and Visual Aids

１０

１４ days

3 days１
５

１４ days

3 daysUndergraduate
Students
Graduate
Students■To borrow materials
You need to have your Student ID. You may borrow materials using an Automatic Book Circulation
System, or in-person at Circulation Desk.
■Long Term borrowing
You may borrow materials longer during spring, summer and winter breaks. See library announcements
for further information.
■To return materials
Please return books to Circulation Desk by the due date. Book Drop is available during the closing hours(exceptions: fragile materials such as CD and DVD). If any materials are overdue, your borrowing privileges
will be suspended (i.e. you will not be able to borrow, extend, or reserve materials for the number of days
you have exceeded the due date.)■Reservation and Renewal
You may reserve books and renew loan period using “My Library”(See p.17) found on the library home
page. Books can be reserved through “MyLibrary” are limited to those stored in Central Library and Shikata
Branch Library.
※Some materials can not be extended.
■Books in Stacks
To borrow or read books located in Stacks, inquire at Circulation Desk. They will be ready in the following business day. If it is urgent, please consult a library staﬀ.
If you are a graduate student or a 4th undergraduate student, you can access to Stacks. Please inquire at
Circulation Desk.

３

Central Library Floor Map<1F>West Building
Automatic
Compact
Shelving

Okayama
CornerBooks:
History(200-299)
Books:
Reference Genenal Works
Books(000-099)
LendableBooks listed
Dictionary
in Syllabi
AV
New
Booths Periodicals

Periodicals:
NaturalScience

StacksMain Building

❼
EV

WC

WC

EV

❹
❻❺

Reference
Desk
Circulation
Desk

New ❹
Books

❻

Book Drop

Main
Entrance

❶
WC

WC

❷

News
Paper

East
Entrance*❸❶ Learning Commons (Nihonsouken Plaza): A group study space. You may rearrange tables and chairs,
and engage in discussions. White boards are available.

❷ Language Learning Space: Resources for language learning are available.
❸ Relaxation Station (Nihonsouken Plaza): A place for relaxation. Vending machines are available.

❹ READ: Materials for light reading are available.
❺ Computer for Library Catalog: Okayama University Library Catalog(Online Public Access Catalog(OPAC)).
Used for searching materials available within Okayama University (See p.15).

❻ Automatic Book Circulation System: You may borrow books by scanning the barcode on the sticker.
❼ Photocopying Machines: You may photocopy library materials (by prepaid card or cash or “momoca”(e-money)).
When making photocopies, submit a request form and obey copyright law.
Cloud On-Demand Service is available. For more information, see website of the Okayama Univ. coop
（https://www.okadai.coop/copy-print）.

Wireless LAN: Available (Okayama University ID is necessary)*East Entrance is temporarily closed. Use Main Entrance.

４

<2F>
West Building
Automatic
Compact
Shelving

Periodicals:
Humanities,
Social Science

Books:NaturalScience(400-499)

MAP

Periodicals:
Humanities,
Social Science
1995-

StacksMain Building

EV

WC

WC

EV

Mobile Telephone Box

Paperbacks Career
Guidance

❶
WC

WC

❷
❶

❶ Murata Academia, Murata SQUARE: An area for academic exchanges and exhibits for your intellectualenrichment.

❷ Individual Study Area: A study area where you are allowed to use calculators and personal computers.

Wireless LAN: Available (Okayama University ID is necessary)■Drinking and Eating in Central Library
Drinking: You may drink water and beverage at any location within the library except for areas near librarycomputers. Use water bottles or tumblers that have a tight lid at all times. You may drink out of open cups
and cans only in Relaxation Station and Learning Commons (Nihonsouken Plaza) and Language Learning
Space (1F).
Eating: You may not eat at any locations within the library.

５

Central Library Floor Map〈３F〉
West Building
Automatic
Compact
Shelving

Periodicals:
Humanities,
Social Science

Books:
Social Science(300-399）❺

Stacks❹EV

Main Building

WC

Mobile Telephone BoxEV❸ ❸ ❸ ❸ ❸ ❸

❸

❷

❷

❷

❸

C

B

A

❸

WC

WC

❶

❶ Silent Zone: Very quiet space for study. Computers and calculators are not allowed in this area.
❷ Seminar Room: You may use this space for a variety of events, so long as no class is in session. Makea reservation at Circulation Desk by 17:00 on week days. 3hrs/use. Room A (5-15 people), Room B(5-30 people), Room C (5-30 people).You may also combine rooms as necessary.

❸ Group Study Room: Study space available for groups. Apply to Circulation Desk (Student ID isnecessary). 3hrs/use.

❹ Computer for Library Catalog: Okayama University Library Catalog(Online Public Access Catalog(OPAC)).
Used for searching materials available within Okayama University (See p.15).

❺ Research Room (Group)2: Study space available for groups. Apply to Circulation Desk (Student ID isnecessary). 3hrs/use. 2-12 people.

Wireless LAN: Available (Okayama University ID is necessary)

６

〈４F〉
West Building
Automatic
Compact
Shelving〈５F〉
Text Book for
the Open Universityof Japan

Periodicals:
Humanities,
Social Science
News Paper

Books:NaturalScience(500-599)
Engineering,
Industry(600-699)

West Building
Staﬀ
Only

Books:
Humanities
Science(100-199,
700-999)

❸
❷

EV

❶

〈６F〉

Materials
Room

WC

EV

Large sized
Books: Art(F700-F799)❶ Research Rooms (Individual): Study rooms available for individual use. Apply to Circulation Desk(Student ID is necessary). 3hrs/use. No advance reservation accepted.

❷ Computer for Library Catalog: Okayama University Library Catalog(Online Public Access Catalog(OPAC)).
Used for searching materials available within Okayama University (See p.15).

❸ Research Room (Group)1: Study space available for groups. Apply to Circulation Desk (Student ID isnecessary). 3hrs/use. 2-10 people.

WirelessLAN: Available in 4F (Okayama University ID is necessary).

Materials Room (6F of West Building) is open from 9:00 to 17:00 on Monday to Friday.

７

3 Shikata Branch Library■Library Hours
During terms

9：００-２1：００

１０：００-１7：００

During Breaks

9：００-１
７：００

Closed* Closed on the following days: Sundays, National holidays, library reorganization days,end of the year/new year holidays, summer holidays (all oﬃces on campus closed).
* Students and Faculties belonging to Shikata Campus can use "24-hour Special Use Service" except library
reoganization hours (Circulation Desk is closed).

■Entrance and Exit
In order to enter the library, you need your Student ID. Scan it at the entrance gate. If you forget yourStudent ID, stop by at Circulation Desk located near the entrance.
You can enter the library, even If you donʼt have your Student ID. Please ask a staﬀ at Circulation Desk.
Any materials that are Not properly borrowed will make a beeping sound when you pass through the exit
gate. Please follow the instruction of a library staﬀ when the alarm goes oﬀ.
■Maximum Number of Borrowed Items and Loan Period

Loan Periods

Books

Bound
Periodicals

Unbound
Periodicals

Visual Aids

１４days

7days

1day

3days

Maximum Numberof Items

5■To borrow materials
You need to have your Student ID. You may borrow materials using an Automatic Book Circulation
System, or in-person at Circulation Desk.
■Long Term borrowing
During spring and summer breaks, you may borrow materials for a longer duration. See libraryannouncements for further information.
■To return materials
Please return the books to Circulation Desk by the due date. Book Return Box is available during the
Library closing hours(exceptions: fragile materials such as CD and DVD). If any materials are overdue, yourborrowing privileges will be suspended (i.e., you will not be able to borrow, extend, or reserve materials forthe number of days you have exceeded the due date.)■Reservation and Renewal
You may reserve books and renew loan period using “My Library”(See p.17) found on the library home
page. Books can be reserved through “MyLibrary” are limited to those stored in Central Library and Shikata
branch Library.
*Some materials can not be extended.

８

Shikata Branch Library Floor Map<1F>❼Periodicals❻New Periodicals
Computerfor
Library
Catalog❽Café

Circulation
Desk

AutomaticBook
Circulation ❷ Photocopying
Machines
SystemEntrance
Gate❺
Relaxation❶Learning Commons

Book
ReturnBox

EV❸
National
Examination

WC

❹ AV
Booths❶ Learning Commons: A group study space. You may rearrange tables and chairs, and engage indiscussions. White boards are available.

❷ Photocopying Machines: You may photocopy library materials (by prepaid card or cash or"momoca"(e-money)). When making photocopies, submit a request form and obey copyright law.
Cloud On-Demand Service is available. For more information, see website of the Okayama Univ. coop
（https://www.okadai.coop/copy-print）.
❸ National Examination: Collection of Japanese national examination questions are here.
❹ AV Booths: You can use audio visual materials here.
❺ Relaxation: Newspapers and Magazines are here.
❻ New Periodicals: Current Periodicals are here.
❼ Periodicals: Back issues of Periodicals are here.
❽ Café: ONSAYA COFFEE. Foods and drinks are available.
*You can bring only covered drinks to the library.

９

Shikata Branch Library Floor Map〈２F〉❹Periodicals❶Study Area
DentistryBooks

Nursing
Books

Reference
Books

Mobile Telephone Box
EV❷
Seminer
Room１❸
LoungeWC❶ Study Area: Dentistry and Nursing books are here.
❷ Seminar Room 1: Collaborative learning space. Please inquire at Circulation Desk to use
this room for working in a group.
❸ Lounge: General books and language books etc. are here.
❹ Periodicals: Back issues of periodicals are here.

Wireless LAN: Available (Okayama University ID is necessary)■Drinking and Eating in Shikata Branch Library
Drinking: You may drink at any locations within the library except near computers.
Use water bottles or tumblers that has a tight lid at all times.
Eating: You may not eat at any locations within the library except Café (ONSAYA COFFEE).

10

〈３F〉
❶ Quiet Study Area:
Medical books are here. This area is quiet and suitable
to study alone and silently. Talking and using
computers are not allowed here.

❷North Bookshelf

MedeicalBooks❶Quiet Study Area

❷ North Bookshelf:
Large books are here.
❸ Lounge:
Engineering, industry books etc. are here.

Books written
in English

EV

❸

WC

❹ Seminar Room 2:
Collaborative learning space. You can use a whiteboard to work in a group. Please make a reservation at
Circulation Desk to use this room.

Lounge❹Seminar Room 2:

WirelessLAN: Available (Okayama University ID isnecessary)

Medical Research Archives〈１F〉❶ClosedStacks 2❶ Closed Stacks1, 2 :Back issues of periodicals are here. To use thematerials, please inquire at Circulation Desk.
❷ Special Collection Stack: Medical books in
Edo-period are here. Please inquire at Circulation Desk
to use the materials.

❶ClosedStacks 1〈２F〉❷Exhibition Room❷Special
Collection Stacks

11

4 IPSR Branch Library(Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Kurashiki Campus)■Library Hours
Mon.-Fri.

Sat./Sun./Holidays
Mon.-Fri.

9:00 - 17:00 (Stacks 9:00-16:45)

Closed*Closed on the following days: Saturdays, Sundays, National holidays, end of the year/new year holidays,
summer holidays (all oﬃces on campus closed)*24 hour access is available for IPSR Members (Service Counter is closed after 17:00). You need security card
to entering Main Building in closed hours.

■Entrance and Exit
If you are an IPSR member, you are free to enter the library in opening hours. You need security card toentering Main Building in closed hours.
If you are Non-IPSR members, you need to ﬁll in the application form at the entrance to use the library.

■Maximum Number of Borrowed Items and Loan Period(only for IPSR membersʼ service)
Loan period
Maximum Number of Items

Books
14 days

Periodicals
1 day
5■To borrow Materials
IPSR member: Write down material information on the circulation note. You cannot borrow somematerials like reference-only books.
Non-IPSR members: You cannot borrow library materials directly. You can borrow books (excluding
periodicals) using interlibrary loan service (See p.18). Please apply to Central Library or Shikata Branch
Library.
❶ Photocopying Machines: You may photocopy library materials with cash. Please have some coins ready.
When making photocopies, submit a request form and obey copyright law.
❷ Computer for Library Catalog: Okayama University Library Catalog(Online Public Access Catalog(OPAC)).
Used for searching materials available within Okayama University (See p.15).
❸ Computer: A computer is available for educational purpose. Okayama University ID is necessary.
Wireless LAN: Available (Okayama University ID is necessary)
Please inquire at Service Counter for use of special collections or doctoral theses.
■Drinking and Eating in IPSR Branch Library
Drinking: Use water bottles or tumblers that has a tight lid.
Eating: You may not eat at any locations within the library.

12

IPSR Branch Library Floor Map〈３F〉

ThesesandDissertations
Books
Okayama
University Authors

SpecialSpecialCollection
Collection
Stack
StacksMeeting
Room

〈２F〉

❸

WC

ComputerWC

Books
Bookbinding
MachineReference Books
Automatic
Compact
Shelving

Reference
Books

Periodicals

Reading Room

〈１F〉

WC

WC
WC

❷ Computer for

Library Catalog

Service
ServiceCounter
Counter
Wheelchair Ramp

Entrance❶

New Periodicals

Photocopying
Machines

Historical
Materials

Special Collection
Exibition13

5 How to Find Materials
Browsing Bookshelves
Books
Library books have call marks (i.e. call numbers) based on the
topic of the book. Call marks are found at the bottom of the spine(where you ﬁnd the title). A call mark often consists of a set of
numbers (occasionally) in the ﬁrst line and an alphabet in thesecond line. Books are place in the order of the call marks,
and within the same number, from A through Z. The alphabet
indicates the last name of the author/editor (if there are multiple
authors and editors, the last name of the are ﬁrst author/editor
will be used).
* In IPSR Branch Library, Books are placed in numerical order of theﬁrst line and within the same number, in numerical order of thesecond line.
Periodicals〈Central Library〉
Natural science periodicals are located on 1F of West Building or in Stacks. Humanities and social
science periodicals are located on 2F, 3F, and 4F of West Building. Japanese and foreign periodicals
are arranged in alphabetical order of titles, while Chinese periodicals are arranged in the order of
how titles are pronounced in Japanese.

〈Shikata Branch Library〉

The location is divided according to years of publication.

〈IPSR Branch Library〉
In the reading room, periodicals are arranged in alphabetical order of titles. In the stacks, they arearranged in call marks (i.e. call numbers), and within the same number, in alphabetical order of titles.

Libraries do not always have all volumes of periodicals. Please search Okayama University
Attention! Library Catalog (Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)) (See p. 15) to check if the libraries
have the volume you want.

14

Searching OPAC
How to use Okayama University Library Catalog(Online Public Access Catalog(OPAC))❶ Go to the library home page (See p.2).
❷ Click on [Library Catalog] tab next to [OU OneSearch], and select “Library Catalog”.

❸ Type some keywords directly in the space next to “Library Catalog” for brief search; or❹ Click on [Advanced search] to show the page for specifying search conditions.

❺ A list of related materials shows up. If you click the title you are interested in, you can see its
detailed information.

15

How to Find Materials❻ Under “Location”, you will ﬁnd whether the material is stored in Central Library (i.e. Tsushima) or otherlibraries (i.e. Shikata or Kurashiki). You will also ﬁnd the ﬂoor information.

❼ Call mark will direct you to the exact location of the book.
See p.14 for further details.
If “Status” is “Available”, you should be able to ﬁnd the material in the bookshelf. If “Status” is
not“Available”, it may be borrowed or reserved.
❽ “Holding volume” shows volumes of the periodical located in each library.
See p.14 for further details.

If “Status” is “Laboratory”, ask a library staﬀ to know its detailed location.
Attention! If the periodical is held as an electronic journal, you can read it on the Internet via campus
network. Visit “E-journals/Books and Databases” on the library home page, and search byitsʼ title, subject or ISSN/ISBN.

16

6 My Library
My Library allows you to;・Renew loan period・Reserve books that are currently borrowed■ How to Log inClick the banner labelled "My Library" on the library home page, and log in with your Okayama University
ID and password.
*Please be sure to close the browser, since there is no logout button.
■ How to Renew Loan Period
You can renew the loan period of books once, for two weeks from the date of the procedure. The loan
period of the periodicals, materials for lectures, and books someone reserved cannot be renewed.

❶ Show “Materials on loan” in My Library.
❷ Click “Renew” button for the material
that you want to renew.

■ How to Reserve
You can reserve only the books of Central Library and Shikata Bransh Library, up to 5 volumes.
❶ Log in to My Library and search Library Catalog. If “Status” is “In Circulation”, someone has borrowed
the material(due date is noted). You may reserve the book by clicking “Reserve” button.

❷ Check the detail of reservation, and go "Input", "Conﬁrm", and "Complete" page. When we receive thereservation, we'll send an e-mail for conﬁrmation.
❸ When the reserved book is ready, we'll send an e-mail. Please come to get the book in a week. After thedeadline, the reservation is automatically cancelled.
* Please cancel the reservation promptly when it is unnecessary.

17

7 Other Services
Reference
If you have trouble using the libraries or how to ﬁnd materials, please feel free to ask a library staﬀ.

Photocopying Library Materials
When you photocopy library materials, please observe the Copyright Act. Reproduction in libraries ispermitted within the following range (Copyright Act, Article 31).
・Library materials only
・Purpose of userʼs research or study
・A single copy per a single user
・A part of a work that has been made public<Central Library and Shikata Branch Library>
Please ﬁll out “Photocopy Application Form” near machines before you take a copy.
Please choose machine types according to the way of payment.
a. By cash
Use a coin-operated machine. You cannot change money in the libraries. Please prepare smallchanges in advance.
b. By prepaid card
Purchase an Okayama University Co-op prepaid card in advance and use a card-operated
machine.
c. By momoca ( e-money )<IPSR Branch Library>
Please apply to Service Counter when you use copy machine.

When You don't Find Materials
When the materials you need are not in Okayama University, there are several ways to use them as
below.
a. Visit other Libraries
・Public Libraries in Okayama prefecture：
Visit directory.
・University Libraries in Okayama Prefecture：
In many cases, you can use them presenting identity cards such as student ID cards. Please checkthe Library's web page before you visit.
・University Libraries outside Okayama Prefecture：
You may need a letter of introduction issued by Okayama University Libraries. Please ask the deskof library of the campus you belong to at least a week before the day you visit.
b. Interlibrary Loan
You can borrow books and get photocopies from other libraries. This is a fee-based service.To
request, ﬁll out a form and submit it to the desk of library of the campus you belong to.

18

Library Guidance & Various Seminars
We hold library guidance such as library tours for new students and various seminars on utilizing
databases, searching documents in libraries, and writing reports. You can get more information at thelibrary website as needed.

Wireless LAN
Wireless LAN can be used in the libraries except for some places. For details on how to
use and where you can use it, refer to “Using the Wi-Fi- Service” page of Center for
Information Technology and Management.
(http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/user/citm/limiting/eng/service/wlan.html)**You can access this website on campus network only.

Lending Laptop Computers(Central Library only)
In Central Library, Laptop Computers lending service is carried out. Please apply to the Circulation
Desk.

Request Books
Students of Okayama University can request a book which want to be placed in the libraries. Please
request not only learning support books but also extensive liberal arts books which many students canuse.

Mutual Return Service
The borrowed books can be returned to either Central Library, Shikata Branch Library (except
periodicals, audio materials and interlibrary loan books).

Okayama University Scientiﬁc Achievement Repository (OUSAR)
Okayama University Scientiﬁc Achievement Repository is a database to preserve and publish theresearch achievements of members of the Okayama University. You can read various academic papers,
doctoral dissertations and research reports free of charge.

Pick up the books of Okayama Prefectural Library (Central Library and Shikata Branch Library )After you register at the Okayama prefectural library and log in to the internet reservation system,
please select Central Library or Shikata Branch Library as a receiving place. You can pick up and returnmaterials of Okayama Prefectural Library at the library which you select.

19

Contact and Service Hours■ Central Library

3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
Services

Circulation Desk

Browsing,
Borrowing & Returning(Circulation Section)
Use of Facilities
Tel: +81-86-251-7318
fbe7318@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
Get Books in stacks

Reference Desk

Mon. ‒ Fri.

Sat./Sun./Holidays

8:00 - 23:00

10:00-18:00

8:00 - 22:00

10:00-17:00

9:00 ‒ 16:45

Reference Service(Reference Section)
Interlibrary Loan
Tel: +81-86-251-7322
fbg7322@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp Special Collections

9:00 - 17:00■ Shikata Branch Library 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558 Japan
Services

Mon. ‒ Fri.

Sat.

9:00 - 21:00

10:00 - 17:00

Circulation Desk

Browsing ,(Shikata Branch Library Section) Borrowing & Returning
Tel: +81-86-235-7053
Use of Facilities
fcg7053@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp■ IPSR Branch LibraryService Counter

2-20-1 Chuo, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0046 Japan
Services

Mon. ‒ Fri.

Browsing
Use of Facilities

9:00 - 17:00(IPSR branch library)Tel: +81-86-434-1204
fde1204@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp Use of Stacks

Sat./Sun./Holidays

9:00 - 16:45

Library Hours change during spring, summer and winter breaks. Besides that, they may
occasionally change, please check on library website etc.
Contact by phone will be accepted from 9:00 ‒ 17:00 on Monday to Friday.

●You should always carry your valuables.

Manner● Mobile phones should be in silent mode. Talking on the phone is notallowed in libraries. Please talk in mobile phone box or outside the libraries.

●Smoking is prohibited inside the university campuses.

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